In a coordinated effort to combat smuggling, the Zamboanga City Police Station (ZCPS 4), along with the 1st Special Operating Unit–Maritime Group, Zamboanga City Maritime Police Station, and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 9, successfully intercepted a shipment of smuggled cigarettes at Sitio Bactus, Barangay Talabaan, Zamboanga City, on September 11, 2025.
The operation, which took place around 1:30 AM, resulted in the seizure of 282 cases of various cigarette brands, including Champion, Vess, and Astro, with an estimated market value of ₱16,158,600. The goods were immediately turned over to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for proper handling.
Two individuals were apprehended during the operation and are currently in the custody of ZCPS 4 while authorities prepare to file appropriate charges.
In response to the operation’s success, Police Brigadier General Eleazar P. Matta, Regional Director of PRO-9, commended the collaborative effort and reiterated the importance of intelligence-driven operations to protect the region’s borders.
“This operation reflects our commitment to safeguarding our maritime borders and disrupting the flow of illegal goods that undermine our economy,” PBGen Matta said. “We will continue to conduct maritime patrols and work with our partners to ensure those responsible face justice.”
This operation marks another significant step in PRO 9’s ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and bolster border security in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Source: PRO-9/RPIO, September 11, 2025
Kai Bell